I’m curious to know whether my life would make a very good story. I would probably never consider writing a biography myself; first of all, I just don’t have the kind of ego to want to do that in the first place, and also I’m not sure anyone is interested in knowing. But what if something interesting did occur, or what if my life took a thrilling turn that would make some kind of titillating tale? Who should I choose to do the honors – a famous writer or celebrity? Another blogger?
FYI, this is what today’s Daily Post prompt is asking. To want to write one’s own biography is tricky; that goes back to the whole unreliable narrator issue that I mentioned in yesterday’s post about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Do we believe the things the autobiographer says, or are they colored by a conflict of interest in the retelling? Are those things being glossed over, softened up, rationalized by non-factual factors? Was it a hunting accident or a psychopathic act of revenge? This is probably why most biographies are written by third parties to the life of the book’s subject – they’re impartial, like an ideal judge and jury. They go on facts and build up a story and a case based on that.
So I would want a person who could actually make my life seem interesting to millions of people. This requires good, engaging writing. I’d want a writer with a voice that feels similar to my own, and that’s why I would probably choose Stephen King. Sure, I have to question my choice – am I copping out? It’s no secret that I’m a Stephen King fan. But it’s not a cop-out. Nobody writes like King, in my opinion. I mean, I certainly wouldn’t ask for Norman Mailer – he passed away six years ago, but his selling point was that he was fantastic at turning non-fiction into literary gold. I mean, if we’re going to write it we have to try and sell it, right? What’s worse is that I can’t ask for Kurt Vonnegut, because he died the same year Mailer did – only instead of a failed liver he fell down the stairs and bashed his head in… or was he pushed? That was a shame, because Vonnegut had this perfect storm of science fiction plus dark humor, and his sarcastic wit was always really well-timed. I’d have chosen Vonnegut over King in a heartbeat.
But it’s not like King is a last resort or something – it’s more like he’s graduated; as patronizing as that sounds, I think I mean to say that his work is becoming more mature without really changing its tone. It remains authentically King’s, but it’s staying with the times. It’s not the same old horror tropes that seemed to drop away in the mid-90’s, but his modern work speaks to modern sensibilities and still manages to entertain, to spark that sense of wonder and weirdness that he was always good at evoking, and not just entertaining but asking questions about the way we live today. That’s very cool, and that’s why I would choose him.
What do other bloggers say?
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I’m going to be honest here. Trying to read your post after realizing that was your face was a struggle! I got laughing and the tears in my eyes blurred my view of the screen.
Okay, for the post: I like King over Mailer – I’m sorry but Mailer just bores the hell out of me sometimes. Don’t laugh, but I would go Joyce or Faulkner over Mailer – but that’s just me. I wouldn’t pick King to do my biography though, as much as I would like him to spice up my life with killer clowns and zombies to make me sound more interesting. I think I would go with Didion or McCourt….the kings of giving depth to the average life.
Fair enough, but I never saw King for the killer clowns and whatnot because he can be so subtle about what really terrifies us, which is more the unknown than the horrors in our face. That’s why he’s not writing the same old haunted lampshade shtick, because he’s more than that and it’s sad when he’s pigeonholed, I think… But your choices and rationale are pretty good too. 🙂
I totally agree with you about King, when broken down to fundamentals he is master of his domain. I love the subtle complexities of his characters, it’s what keeps me coming back.
Although I think the collaboration he did with his son, In the Tall Grass felt more like Hill than King. It’s strange because I felt like I could see where both of them were putting their stamp on it, just wish it was -again – more subtle than lampshade monster 🙂
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[…] Would you even read my biography? | Rob’s Surf Report […]
Ive been told i should write an autobiography. ..hiv at 12, struck by lightening 3 times, in people magazine, on dateline nbc in 1994, 3 month coma, 1995, many stories of musicians and heroes of the jiu jitsu world.
This comment and my journal are as close as ill come, everybody has a story.
well shoot, that’s a full-on life; and honestly, if you were to lead the book with just that comment, you’d hook them in to the end, I think. Although I can’t say I’m jealous of your edge, you’ve certainly got it.
most of it was painful or worldly harshness.
Outside of the music stories and the Jiu jitsu stories
.
Two endearing ones- Training with Royce Gracie, after poking fun and giving me some hell he promoted me. Later that day ..attended the UFC in houston as his guest.
Taking Jeremy Enigk- frontman of the former sunnydayrealestate to nasa…watching him in awe.
After booking Iron and Wine….sharing stories with Sam and the band in their bus..of all the band I worked with they were so humble and friendly. All they asked for in their Rider was a pair of clean socks.
ok that was 3.lol.
Yeah, you could totally write that.
not my style…ive been encouraged often…wordpress will have to suffice.
And the world mourns!
lol…we all fade away…i only hope i did good.
I would read your story.
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